TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Carb: 1500Km Long Term Review

We first got the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V on April 26. It had done 600kms on the odo and for the entire first month, the bike was put through a proper real world road test and then was benchmarked against the Suzuki Gixxer. Then, I took over the reins of the bike in June with the odometer reading 900km. I got the second service done after I completed 400 kilometres on the saddle. Today, it has clocked 1500km and here’s how the ‘Little Red’ has been so far.

1. Service record

The second free service of the bike was billed at Rs 912, a big chunk of which was because of the engine oil, which cost Rs 545. The rest of the bill comprised of the chain spray and a ‘Service Plus’ package, which the service centre was unable to explain to us. The service centre was prompt with the process and even had a detailed survey afterwards, which took just 10 minutes over a phone call. The new oil has marginally improved the refinement and the bike now feels a little gruntier while accelerating.

2. What I like so far

What initially impressed me about the RTR 160 is the motor’s refinement. It is easily one of the smoothest engines in the segment and pleases you every time you get going. Another thing I like about the engine is its tuning. On TVS’s test track, we missed the top-end performance a bit. But once out on the road and in real-world traffic conditions, the strong mid-range didn’t leave much to complain about. However, quick overtakes still requires a downshift for faster acceleration. Yes, more power is always welcome. However, for a bike powered by a 160cc motor, the TVS has got enough poke to keep you satisfied. In fact, our tests showed that the RTR 160 was the fastest bike to 60kmph in its segment.

3. What I don’t like so far

Believe it or not, this is full lock

After having ridden the RTR 200 recently, I do miss its tall clip-on handlebars for the riding posture and the control they offered while manoeuvring the bike through traffic. I would have loved to see them on the 160 as well. Another thing which gets on my nerves a little is its large turning radius. In compact parking spaces, getting the bike in and out can become a Herculean task.

Final thoughts

While there are some niggles which occasionally make you work hard, the overall experience is quite charming. The smooth nature of the motor, the design and the ride quality add up to make it an ideal everyday partner. I will be measuring its performance and efficiency again next month. So stay tuned for an interesting and number-heavy long-term report.